By Madeline Lanning, Opinion Editor
Though classes have been hybrid or virtual for most of the 2020-2021 academic year at Susquehanna, students are looking forward to the tents coming back on campus.
The tents first appeared on campus for outdoor events and can now be found outside of Degenstein Campus Center, the library, Aikens Hall and other academic buildings.
These tents are equipped with enough space to hold students at a safe distance from one another while having access to speakers and white boards to display PowerPoints and other content.
These areas on campus, during academic hours, can be rented out by professors to use for their class time and after hours for clubs and activities that need the space and outdoor setting.
Students have said that they really enjoyed having classes outside pre-COVID-19 but enjoy it much more during the pandemic. For myself and others, the outside air and convenience of being able to take your mask down for a drink once and awhile is much more comforting outside rather than in a classroom.
Faculty have also remarked on the success the tents have brought their classes. Many have stated that their classes ran much more smoothly outside and students seemed much more attentive. Especially during the spring semester a sthe weather begins to warm up, students enjoy being outside rather than cramped inside.
The most commonly used area for the tents last semester was Smith Lawn, and this semester that area will be out of commission due to the lack of stable soil. The tents are quite large and heavy, and maintenance has concerns that if the large Smith tent was to be constructed again it would just sink into the ground.
Otherwise, the tents are up and ready for use during class time, eating with friends, activities or just as a place to sit and relax. Remember though, while inside the tents, social distancing and mask wearing is still a priority unless you are eating at a designated eating tent like that outside of Degenstein near the lawn. Stay safe and vigilant of the tent you are in while enjoying the outdoors with these facilities!
